You’re not alone. We’ve all fallen victim to a moody day or two (or maybe more than that) during our period.

In fact, 9 out of 10 people who get their periods say that they experience mood swings as a part of their PMS.

As much as we don’t want to blame waking up on the wrong side of the bed completely on our cycle, the truth is our hormones can affect our mood pretty drastically -- for better or for worse. 

Luckily, we’re delving into your ups ⬆️  and downs ⬇️ as they relate to that time of the month. With the right tracking and information, you can understand that rollercoaster ride you’re on is actually more predictable than you imagined 🎢: 

Mood = Low 😭

During Menstruation 

Ok, so you have your period. This part of your cycle notoriously gets a bad rep, but we’re here to tell you that it just doesn’t have to be that way. Your body is releasing the uterine lining and unfertilized egg during this time, which also comes with your estrogen and progesterone levels going way down and your mood possibly going with it. 

Think of this first week as your low, you’re not sinking, but you’re definitely not swimming. Research shows it’s extremely common for your mood and energy to take a dip during menstruation. Go with it. Now is the time for self love, self care, and a whole lot of bubble baths. 🛀

Mood = Happy 😎

During the Follicular Phase 

Forget your troubles, c’mon get HAPPY! When you’re ovulating or in the Follicular Phase, your cycle will leave you feeling like you’ve reached nirvana. This phase of your cycle begins on the day you start your period and lasts for about 14 days. During ovulation, the hormone estradiol begins to rise, which can help push down the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. In return, you’ll be feeling lifted. This is the perfect time to dig into something new and exciting. Assuming nothing obvious is going on in your life to take you down, your mood will likely be 💯 

Mood = Hot 🔥

During Ovulation

WARNING: you might be feeling hot and bothered. Ovulation prompts the release of an egg from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes for fertilization. Most people identify this time as primetime for potential pregnancy, so it makes sense that your body is craving sex. You also might have a greater tolerance for pain and even go the extra mile to feel more attractive to potential partners. Bottom line, if you’re feeling hot hot hot, just go with it.

Mood = #Grumpy 😡

During the Luteal Phase

The Luteal Phase brings the dark days. During this phase your progesterone levels will start to rise and you might be left feeling depleted, angry, or just generally #grumpy. Embrace the suck. Progesterone increases stress levels and cortisol, so it’s only natural that you’ll be feeling down. Irritability is normal, so find your coziest outfit and camp out. Like everything else in life, this won’t last forever. 

No matter which part of your cycle you find yourself in, be gentle with yourself. Hormones are real and when they fluctuate, causing a shift in your mood, know that you’re not crazy (it’s happening) and you’re not alone (we’re in this together). 

SOURCES: 

https://www.blackmores.com.au/womens-health/how-your-menstrual-cycle-affects-your-mood#:~:text=If%20you%20feel%20more%20moody,irritability%20are%20the%20most%20common.